Pathology Assistant - Jefferson City

Shift:Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm (Coverage rotation)
Department: Labs Jefferson City
Compensation:

* Base Pay Range: $90,251.20 - $147,284.80 per year, based on experience

ABOUT THE JOB

MU Health Care is looking for a detail-driven, intellectually curious Pathology Assistant who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where precision truly makes a difference. The ideal candidate is passionate about advancing diagnostic excellence, takes pride in their technical expertise, and brings a strong sense of ownership to every specimen handled. You'll work side by side with skilled pathologists and residents, contributing to life-changing diagnoses while helping train the next generation of medical professionals. This role is perfect for someone who combines scientific rigor with creativity, and who approaches every task - from tissue preparation to teaching - with accuracy, compassion, and purpose. At MU Health Care, your work supports groundbreaking care, research, and education every single day. Join us and be part of a team where your skill and dedication directly impact patient lives.

ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE

MU Health Care is proud to be named one of Forbes' Best-in-State Employers seven years in a row, and that's largely a result of the incredible culture and team we've built. At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. Here, we believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger - to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine.

Our academic health system - the only in mid-Missouri - is home to seven hospitals, including the region's only Level 1 Trauma Center and region's only Children's Hospital, as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions - with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way.

Learn more about MU Health Care.

Learn more about living in mid-Missouri.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

* Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one

* Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays

* Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8%and full vesting in three years

* Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)

* Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more

* See a comprehensive list of benefitshere.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

Dictate a medical description of the specimen that clearly identifies the case and the description of the sample. The description includes:

- Dimensions of the tissue sample including maximum and minimum

- Color and appearance of the same

- Surface abnormalities noted upon sectioning of the tissue

- Anatomic abnormalities noted upon sectioning of the tissue

Mark margin of tissue submitted by Inking of the sample per protocol provided by the Director of Surgical Pathology.

Cut or section tissue per protocol to maximize the presentation of the tissue abnormality in relation to the tissue margins and other diagnostic factors.

Orient cut tissue in processing cassette to facilitate the embedding, cutting, and mounting of representative tissues sections on glass slides used by the Pathologist to render a diagnosis.

In conjunction with the senior resident teach and mentor Jr residents in the documentation and dissection of surgical tissue specimens for frozen section and permanent histological processing.

Separate specimens received from surgery to identify cases that will handled by this position verses teaching cases that will be left for the Residents.

Log in / accession tissue cases received for frozen, and aid in accessioning of other cases.

Double check case identifications per request information provided by surgery and container labels identifying the specimen and investigate any differences as directed by the Director of Surgical Pathology.

Prepare Cryostat and staining system for fast response of frozen section tissues.

Cut slides on Cryostat and stain slides for diagnosis by Pathologist and Residents in frozen section room.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Requires Bachelor's degree from an accredited Pathologist Assistant program or national certification as a Pathologist Assistant from the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (AAPA).

Master's degree in Pathology preferred.

Ability to learn and use anatomically-specific terminology.

Must be meticulous and possess good manual dexterity to work with small samples.

Must be detail oriented in the execution of job-related duties.

Must be a self-guided individual with ability to work independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and may require ambulating, remaining in a stationary position and positioning self to reach and/or move objects above the shoulders and below the knees. The employee may frequently lift and/or move objects up to 10 lbs and occasionally move objects up to 25 lbs.

This role may also routinely comes into contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses. This position is in a health care facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.